timeNot many people would be willing to travel from Bondi Beach to the suburb of Barnsley in mid-October, but for Victor Radley, his annual month-long tour of England is more of a chore than a chore The highlight of his year.
The 26-year-old NRL regular raised eyebrows two years ago when he decided to pledge allegiance to England on behalf of his Sheffield-born father rather than push for an Australian call-up. Some are wondering if this is just a one-off, as the opportunity to play in the World Cup is one that cannot be turned down. But Radley returns to the England squad for the third year running.
Radley was delighted to immerse himself in British culture, meeting up with friends and family in the South Yorkshire village of Cranmore and traveling to Hillsborough to watch Sheffield Wednesday. But the focus shifts to business on Sunday, when England face Samoa in Wigan in the first of two autumn Tests – with revenge clearly on the agenda.
The extra-time defeat to Samoa in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals still stings for anyone supporting England: especially Radley. “The memory of that day is not good,” he said. “My interception cost us the game, so that brought frustration to the experience and the game.
“Even when I went on vacation afterwards, I barely mentioned it, and if we had won that game I would have kept bringing it up. I’m sure it would have been mentioned in the preparation for the meeting because it was on everyone’s mind middle.
Radley nearly missed the autumn internationals with a shoulder injury while playing for the Sydney Roosters, but has been crucial to the team since returning from injury. England will build on last year’s series against Tonga with a similar result at home ahead of the 2026 World Cup. .
“A lot of the players in the 2022 World Cup squad are here this year, so we might be at the World Cup together in two years’ time,” he said. “We gelled together very quickly and the games in Australia are going to be great. But this year we have a huge challenge first and that’s something I’m enjoying.
Playing on the other side of the world can often be a lonely experience, but Radley has immersed himself in the British way of life. “It really means a lot to come out here and represent my family, and I always said any chance I get I’m going to make the most of it,” he said.
“I absolutely love it here. It’s a good laugh, just all the local farm shops, pubs and locals. Wherever you go there’s always someone cracking a joke. It’s so funny. It’s definitely different back home. I love coming to England, the culture of this country is something I really enjoy and it’s really nice to learn more about England every year.
“I usually go straight to my family’s place in Barnsley. I live with my dad’s good friend who lives in the countryside and it’s beautiful there. I know a lot of the local lads now.
Newsletter Promotion Post
“Some of my dad’s other friends came over from Plymouth and we went to watch Wednesday’s game – it was the highlight of the trip so far.”
Which begs the question: could Super League supporters one day see one of the NRL’s top forwards in action? “100 percent,” Radley said with a smile. “I’ve talked to my partner about it. We have kids, but I know she would love it here too. It’s something I want to do at some point in my career.
But any further social visits to South Yorkshire or the idea of one day playing club rugby here will be put on hold for at least the next two weeks. Now, it’s time for Radley and this developing team to take the next step.
“We haven’t had many meetings about mindset and what our psychological motivations are,” he said. “It’s just about training and making sure we’re fit and healthy. We want to start picking up the pace but not get too far ahead of the game. But it’s a great team with some great young players and we’ll be ready for England Give everything.
